340 Hydraulics

Is there a good and simple way to flush the system,I have drained and refilled it 3 times but still getting milky oil at the remotes and 3 point cylenders,it seems to freeze in gold weather.Got to be away to cure this on a prmenent basis.THANKS Don

Don;

The tractor is always going to retain some fluid; under the seat for example and thus cloud the new hy-tran fluid rapidly.
Have the engine/system warmed up before changing the fluid and filter. But you probably already know that; just a suggestion for someone new.
One thing I found last week was this tip from an IH manual:

To drain the fluid from the pump and connecting tubes pull out the cable from the center socket on the distributor cap, turn the ignition key clockwise and press the electric starter button, turning the engine over very briefly.

Also:

FREEING THE SYSTEM OF TRAPPED AIR

Start the tractor engine and operate it at a moderate idle speed. With the filler plug or cover removed, slowly move the control handle or handles back and forth ten or twelve times through their full range of travel. This frees the system of trapped air. Then with the handles in the neutral position, stop the engine. If necessary add fluid up to the proper level in the transmission case.

Of coarse keeping the 340 out of the weather helps. Our late poster Hugh MacKay stated 'work the snot out of them' would help. Not all, but most older tractors simply don't get used long enough to warm all the lubricating fluid to evaporate moisture...and another topic...fully charge the battery. I'd suggest you take your tractor to breakfast or out for coffee and some good bakery items. I even do it here in Wisc. Puts some color in your cheeks also! All four of 'em!!

Is she a Farmall or International? Originally two-point converted to three-point? Hope this helps.

I can tell you from experience of working at a hydraulics factory for 38 years, that it takes very, very little water to make the fluid milky looking. Probably to the point that there isn't enough left if you changed it 3 times, to hurt anything in warmer weather. Are you certain you are not continuing to get more water in the system?
We had the same problem when we got a heat exchanger leak in a test stand... you got out what you could, then tried to leave the lid off the reservoir and "cook it out" over time... sometimes it took a while. If there is a way to leave your reservoir open, you might try putting a heat lamp under it over night or whn not in use, circulate it a little every day and keep it heated for a few days. In the test stands where we had heaters that would heat it to over 212 degrees, it didn't take as long.[/list]

is it a farmall or an international? how much fluid is in the hydro system? Did you pull all the plugs. I believe an IH 340 has atleast 3 plugs.

The rock shaft housing up under the seat will hold a gallon or two along with collecting sludge in the bottom of it. It has an elevated drain tube.

Don,I had a 340 that I tried to clean the water out of but never did,The oil stayed milky as soon as I drained the oil.I gave up

jimmy